Territory dialysis money draining away

Unused dialysis money meant for the Territory is starting to disappear back into the Commonwealth's purse.

ABC TV

The Greens have challenged the Federal Government to ensure money allocated to treat dialysis in Central Australia is spent.

During Senate Estimates, the Health Department revealed $3 million allocated to remote services was returned to government coffers.

Senator Rachel Siewert said the Labor Party needed to ensure the remaining $10 million in funding was directed to community groups that would spend it on renal services.

"The money that the Government promised in 2011 to direct towards helping people with dialysis, $13 million has yet to be spent and already some of it has disappeared back to consolidated revenue," Senator Siewert said.

"We are worried that the money the Government promised to assist with dialysis is not going to be delivered."

She said she would like to see the money fund projects run by community organisations.

"We understand there are a number of community projects that would be ready to go if the Government would commit some funding to those projects," Senator Siewert said.